A new poll from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression finds that four in five Americans believe “at least slightly” that words can amount to violence.
Forty-five percent of those surveyed said they agreed “completely” or “mostly” with the statement “words can be violence,” with another 22 percent saying “somewhat.”
Only 20 percent said the statement “does not describe my thoughts at all.”
Those most likely to agree with the statement were women and members of the Democratic Party; those least likely were Republicans, independents, and men.
(Of note, overall almost three-quarters of Republicans and men did “slightly,” “somewhat,” “mostly,” or “completely” agree with the statement.)
This likely surprises few as the “words are violence” mantra isn’t an uncommon sentiment at American universities. Just ask Ann Coulter when she tried to speak at Cornell. Or Christina Hoff Sommers at Oberlin College.
Or Matt Walsh at Washington and Lee University. Or the Pomona College students who dressed up as “mad scientists” for a party.
And recall transgender TV personality Laverne Cox stating that calling “her” a man “is an act of violence.”
Other results from the poll include:
— Only 55 percent said Americans should have the right to “post a parody video mocking a candidate for public office.”
— Just over one-third agreed people “definitely or probably should have the right to use profanity when speaking with elected officials.”
— A mere one-quarter of Americans believe freedom of speech is “secure.”
— Almost two-thirds believe the U.S. is “heading in the WRONG direction” when it comes to being “able to freely express their views.”
From the FIRE poll press release:
Gen-Zers were also more likely to say that words are violence, with only 12% of 18-24-year-olds rejecting the idea entirely. But seniors aren’t far behind, with 16% of those older than 65 saying it doesn’t describe their thoughts at all. Gen X is the most speech-supportive age group, with 32% of those between the ages of 45 and 52 completely rejecting the idea that words can be violence. …
“Equating words with violence trivializes actual physical harm, shuts down conversations, and even encourages real violence by justifying the use of force against offensive speech,” said FIRE President and CEO Greg Lukianoff. “Free speech isn’t violence, it’s the best alternative to violence ever invented.”
FIRE Chief Research Advisor Sean Stevens said “You absolutely have the First Amendment right to use profanity when speaking to politicians. Some would say they’re the ones who deserve it most.”
MORE: On campus, words and silence are both violence: ‘It’s the Kobayashi Maru’
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